Objective:
The objective of this lesson is to empower learners with a nuanced understanding of active listening as both an art and a science. By the end of this lesson, participants should be able to practically employ active listening techniques in a variety of personal and professional scenarios, balancing the methodical (scientific) approaches with the intuitive (artistic) elements that make for truly effective communication.
Comprehensive Content Overview:
Active listening is a communication technique that requires the listener to fully concentrate, understand, respond, and then remember what is being said. This process is multi-faceted, involving several methodical skills that can be learned and practiced, as well as creative aspects that require a more intuitive touch.
Methodical components of active listening include:
- Attending Behavior: Demonstrating physically that you are listening through eye contact, nodding, and appropriate body language..
- Following Skills: Encouraging the speaker to continue through minimal responses and non-verbal cues..
- Reflective Responses: Paraphrasing or summarizing what the speaker has said to confirm understanding..
- Questioning: Asking open-ended questions that promote discussion..
- Remembering: Using strategies to recall information..
Creative components involve:
- Empathy: Imagining yourself in the speaker’s position to better understand their perspective..
- Patience: Allowing the speaker the time they need to express themselves without rushing them..
- Intuition: Sensing what the speaker is feeling beyond the words they are using..
- Flexibility: Adapting your responses based on the flow of the conversation..
